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2020 IMPACT REPORT Ka Wā Huliau A TIME OF CHANGE SECTION SECTION

Pelekunu Valley, a Conservancy Preserve, Moloka'i. © Richard A. Cooke III

Board of Trustees Table of Contents The Mission of The Nature Conservancy Duke E. Ah Moo Dave Eadie Brett MacNaughton Paul D. Alston, Chair Matt Emerson Kathy M. Matsui 4 Message From Our Leaders is to conserve the lands and waters Kris Billeter The Honorable Judith A. Epstein Janet Montag 6 Where We Work Dr. C. Tana Burkert Dr. Alan M. Friedlander Alicia Moy Anne Carter Benjy Garfinkle Dustin E. Sellers 8 By the Numbers on which all life depends. Richard A. Cooke III James J.C. Haynes III Peter K. Tomozawa 10 Protecting Lands, Waters and Ocean Ka‘iulani de Silva Sean A. Hehir Richard N. Zwern 12 Tackling Protecting Land. Water. Life. 14 Exploring Innovative Solutions Ihupani Advisory Council To make a gift to TNC, please contact 16 Working During COVID-19 Christopher J. Benjamin Eiichiro Kuwana Jean E. Rolles Lori Admiral, Director of Philanthropy, Kenton Eldridge Duncan MacNaughton Crystal K. Rose 17 The Power of Partnerships 2 at (808) 587-6249 or [email protected] 3 SECTION SECTION

MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS

He po‘ina kai uli, kai ko‘o, ‘a‘ohe hina pūko‘a ~ Said of one who is steadfast Though the sea be deep and rough, in the face of difficulty the coral rock remains standing

The past year has doled out unprecedented challenges. The coronavirus pandemic has upended our habits, our health, our economy and our education system. We all know someone who has lost a loved one, lost their job, or is caring for children while working remotely from home.

Despite these challenges, we at The Nature Conservancy have remained steadfast in our commitment to protect the lands and waters on which we all depend—at a time when nature is needed more than ever. We’ve adapted to physically distant fieldwork, made strides in innovation, and exceeded our fundraising expectations in spite of the pandemic. We are grateful to our loyal donors, who continue to recognize the importance of our work even during this time. We have also found solace in nature, rekindling a deeply buried instinct for that connection and revitalization.

In this report, we highlight the ways we are working to restore healthy fisheries, uncover the keys to climate resilience, and protect native forests that harbor rare species and are the source of our freshwater.

In 2020, we embarked on a bold carbon offset pilot project at our Kona Hema Preserve with support from partners and donors. We published an innovative study to assess the potential for insuring Hawai‘i’s reefs from devastating storms. And we launched a partnership project at to restore the natural nutrient cycle to the forest and surrounding reef.

This year we also began celebrating our Hawai‘i chapter’s 40th anniversary. Standing on the solid foundation set by those who came before us and looking back at all that we’ve accomplished give us the grit to forge ahead with even more determination. Because nature needs us, and we need nature.

All of this is possible because of you, our ardent supporters, who share our passion and perseverance. ON THE COVER: Aligning with the theme of this year’s report, Palmyra is undergoing change with our Paul Alston, Chair, Board of Trustees, TNC Hawai‘i work to remove invasive trees Mahalo a nui loa, chapter; and Ulalia Woodside, Executive Director. and allow the native tropical Paul and Ulalia © Richard A. Cooke III forest to rebound, which in turn restores the natural island cycle. © Alex Wegmann/TNC 4 5 Healthy reefs at Palmyra Atoll are a model of resilience. © Kydd Pollock We are restoring the tropical Pisonia forest on Palmyra Atoll. © Andrew Wright By the Numbers 1,000 Number of endangered IN 2020 AND OVER THE YEARS loulu palms (Pritchardia 3,200 schattaueri) now Shearwaters across 19 acres at our Mo‘omomi Preserve thriving in our Kona on Moloka‘i, after removing invasive trees and fencing out Hema Preserve on 178 predators. These beautiful birds lay a single egg once a year. Hawai‘i Island, thanks to 879,767 the efforts of TNC staff, Number of water quality stations TNC Number of non-native partners and volunteers sampled in Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu coconut trees removed at who gathered seeds, grew to determine the amount of runoff our Palmyra Atoll, paving 5,000% and outplanted them. affecting the bay’s coral reefs. This is the way for one of the Increase in native trees at Palmyra Atoll following rat Before we began this the first and largest study on O‘ahu, last stands of native removal. There was also a dramatic increase in crabs, effort, there were just uncovering the concentration Pisonia forest in including several species that had never been seen before. 13 loulu in the wild. of prescription medications the Pacific to and pesticides found in rebound. 90,618 the bay. A fledgling shearwater, or ‘ua‘u kani, at our Mo'omomi Preserve on Weeds removed from our Kanaele Bog on The mikinalo, or sundew, Moloka'i © Butch Hasse Kaua‘i, which now boasts 97% native plant Hawai‘i’s only native coverage, improving freshwater capture carnivorous plant, is found only in from the 160 inches of annual wetlands on Kaua‘i, rainfall. such as our Kanaele Bog Preserve. © John De Mello Daily amount of freshwater 3 that flows from native forests MILLION like our Waikamoi Preserve on Maui, Firsts GALLONS worth an estimated $36 million. 40 years ago, TNC established the first in the State of Hawai‘i, creating Kamakou Preserve 34 from Moloka‘i Ranch, and launched the Staff with TNC’s Hawai‘i Hawai‘i Chapter. Chapter for more than 10 years. That’s commitment! For the first time ever, sightings of two endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) not previously seen by TNC, partners 10+ 20+ 30+ Ae’o are returning to or lineal descendants at our Kīholo the He‘eia wetlands. YEARS YEARS YEARS Preserve on Hawai‘i Island. © Sean Marrs/TNC 24 7 3 97% 100% Āholehole (Hawaiian flagtails, a common staff staff staff Amount of wave energy healthy Amount of our islands’ freshwater food fish) were seen in He‘eia in the area coral reefs can absorb, which that native forests provide by cleared of mangroves for the first time in helps protect our shores. capturing rain and mist. a generation. 50+ Value of flood protection Number of local TNC was the first nonprofit to host a benefits to people, property communities we work marine fellowship program in Hawai‘i $836 and jobs each year in with to protect and MILLION starting in 2008. We now have more than Hawai‘i. 13 graduates. manage our nearshore fisheries.

6 7 Āholehole (Hawaiian flagtails, a common food fish) schooling in West Hawai‘i © Kaikea Nakachi

KAUA'I

NI'IHAU We created Kamakou Preserve on Moloka‘i through the first conservation O'AHU easement in Hawai‘i. © John De Mello

We mapped all of Hawai‘i’s rarest ecosystems for the first time. © TNC

MOLOKA'I

LĀNA'I MAUI

Our preserves help protect native species, like this 'ākohekohe (crested honeycreeper), KAHO'OLAWE only found on Maui. © Jack Jeffrey

The Nature Conservancy has been active in We engaged community networks that integrate Hawai‘i since the late 1960s, and opened a local science with traditional knowledge and build local capacity for community office in 1980. management of coastal resources. © Manuel Mejia /TNC 1,000 MILES SOUTH We forged watershed partnerships to manage more than 2 million acres of natural lands in Hawai‘i.

In 2000, we launched a marine program, working with coastal communities to protect the nearshore reefs and fisheries of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Also in 2000, we acquired Palmyra Atoll, bringing protection to one of the most spectacular marine HAWAI'I areas on Earth and providing a natural research lab to study climate resilience.

Community Network Members Our purchase of Palmyra Atoll contributed to the creation of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine Research and Monitoring Sites National Monument, one of the largest marine PALMYRA ATOLL conservation areas in the world. TNC Forest Preserves © Ian Shive © Graeme Gale Watershed Partnerships 8 9 SECTION SECTION

Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation Executive Director Janis A. Reischmann (right) and Senior Program Officer Brant Hi‘ikua Chillingworth Protecting Lands, © Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation Waters and Ocean

An endangered endemic ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian gallinule) in the restored wetlands at He‘eia © Sean Marrs/TNC “The fellowship program was my north star as I worked through life changes and went back to Hawai‘i’s native forests capture water droplets from mist and rain, accumulating fresh water that makes life in these islands possible. college,” says fellow Melissa Mau. © John DeMello “I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn or more than 40 years, we have worked with Elsewhere in the world, mangroves serve an DONOR PROFILE Flandowners, businesses, government agencies, important role in coastal and island habitats, but in and give back to my academic institutions and communities to conserve our Hawai‘i, they are invasive and damage the natural Building the Next island’s natural areas. Here, we share a few glimpses balance of our unique ecosystems. Our work to island home.” from the past year, highlighting our accomplishments to remove mangroves and restore the natural habitats at protect Hawai‘i’s and Palmyra’s unique landscapes and He‘eia on O‘ahu has led to the unprecedented return Generation of Leaders species that sustain us. of native wildlife to the wetlands, with increased ince 2011, the Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation— sightings and nests of endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian whose mission includes promoting stewardship, We have seen visually dramatic native vegetation stilt) and ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian gallinule), as well as S preservation and protection of Hawai‘i’s natural recovery after removing ungulates (alien hoofed native fish like the āholehole (Hawaiian flagtail, a environment—has partnered with the TNC Hawai‘i animals like pigs and deer) from Waikamoi common food fish). Preserve. Ungulates are voracious foragers; a Chapter to support our Fellowship single pig can disturb an area the size of a football This year, we published The Atlas of the Reefs of West Program designed to increase the local pool of qualified field in just seven days, destroying the native Maui, a first-of-its-kind report compiling 20 years of marine resource managers. The fellowship provides forest understory in the process. Removal of these data. Our analysis shows where reefs are doing well two years of on-the-job training in traditional and animals allows the natural forest to rebound. and where they are in decline and will help guide contemporary resource management and promotes reef management and restoration efforts. direct experience through community-based projects Native plant recovery in Waikamoi Preserve over just four years © TNC and field work. “Now more than ever, we need capable leaders to 2014 2018 step up,” says Brant Chillingworth, Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation Senior Program Officer. “Fellowship graduates are already making their mark in conservation careers and academia.”

Graduates of the program have become scientists and leaders with state and federal agencies, or lead local nonprofits like partner Hui Aloha Kīholo.

“Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation is an amazing partner,” says TNC’s Marine Fellowship Program Coordinator Sean Marrs. “Their unwavering support and investment are helping us expand the pool of young professionals to guide marine conservation into the future.” TNC Fellow Melissa Mau helps to clear invasive plants and weeds in preparation for outplanting native plants at 1010 the He‘eia wetlands on O‘ahu. © Kristina Jenkins/TNC 11 SECTION SECTION Balbi Brooks heads to her favorite beach on Palmyra. © TNC

DONOR PROFILE Tackling Climate Change Hooked by he impacts of a changing climate are extremely We initiated the first statewide coral restoration Tchallenging. A poll we conducted in 2020 revealed planning process in partnership with the State of Palmyra that more than half of Hawai‘i residents feel climate Hawai‘i and NOAA to increase our reefs’ ability to change will cause them “great” or “moderate” personal resist and recover from bleaching events, which harm, and support the work we do—from managing scientists predict will continue to increase due to forests to restoring nearshore fisheries to removing warming oceans, land-based pollution and other invasive species. stressors.

Mosquito-borne disease can have devastating Our fifth year of reef resilience surveys along impacts on people and nature—and is worsening the west coast of Hawai‘i Island showed corals with climate change. At Palmyra Atoll, we are continuing to recover from the 2015 mass field testing a method to render male mosquitoes bleaching event and identified the most resilient infertile. If successful, we will eradicate the small reefs as those with healthy herbivorous fish population there and provide lessons learned to populations and clean water and those located help Hawai‘i’s efforts to suppress mosquito-borne farthest from human populations—for example in diseases that are pushing the islands’ endemic North Kona near our Kīholo Preserve. forest birds toward extinction. “If I were to do my life all over again, I would love to be in the

Conducting reef resilience surveys in West Hawai‘i © David Slater scientists’ slippers. I get so excited about it all.”

Coral gardens on Palmyra © Kydd Pollock Brown-footed booby with chick on Palmyra © Rob Shallenberger

hen Balbi Brooks visited Palmyra Atoll in W2016, she was hooked. “I didn’t want to leave!” she says. “It was, and still is, one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been.”

She first fell in love with Palmyra’s flora and fauna, then she discovered a passion for TNC’s conservation science.

“Balbi has a pure love for Palmyra,” says Dr. Alex Wegmann, Palmyra’s Director of Science. “Even when the weather was bad, she loved it. She passed up snorkeling and social hour to plant trees. Her enthusiasm for conservation science is infectious and so much fun.”

“Balbi’s consistent, enthusiastic support has been invaluable,” says Wegmann.

Balbi enjoys being part of the science that gives her a taste of a road not traveled.

“If I were to do my life all over again, I would love to be in the scientists’ slippers. I get so excited about it all.”

12 13 SECTION SECTION Benjamin and Carole Fitzpatrick An ‘amakihi (Hawaiian honeycreeper) © Christopher Balzotti in our Kona Hema Preserve © K.C. Choo Exploring Innovative Solutions

enjamin and Carole Fitzpatrick’s connection to BHawa‘i Island began in the mid-1980s, when they were drawn to the upland forest in search of native birds. A little more than 10 years ago, they hiked into TNC’s Ka‘ū Preserve and learned about TNC’s vision to protect and preserve the species within the native forest. TNC’s Palmyra Program staff measure and tag a trevally before releasing it. © Kydd Pollock/TNC Their meeting in 2017 with Shalan Crysdale, Hawai‘i Island forest program director, allowed them to see the changes since their first visit, and better understand tate-of-the-art technology helps At Palmyra Atoll, our We developed how our approach benefits the entire forest ecosystem. us monitor threats and increase S Fishing for Science project is mobile apps for DONOR PROFILE Carole shared, “It’s very rewarding for us both to be part efficiency, which is especially analyzing catch-and-release our Maui and of TNC’s success and what it represents for the future of important during COVID-19 data for key fish species—like Kaua‘i forest Hawai‘i’s native birds.” limitations. Remote cameras and giant trevally and bluefin teams so they For the Love of Birds traps, drones, mobile apps and trevally—targeted by tourism- can easily and The Fitzpatricks recently renewed their multi-year interactive data visualization help based recreational fisheries quickly capture pledge to Ka‘ū, which allowed TNC to leverage us examine fisheries data, check internationally. To date, we and record additional state matching funds for the project. fence lines for security breaches have tagged 295 fish. Findings information They have also created a lasting legacy for or tree falls, and identify where from this project will about native Hawai‘i forest bird habitat by including disease might be spreading. A new inform sustainable fisheries species, weeds and “It’s very rewarding TNC in their estate plans. According to TNC report explores the innovative management throughout remote cameras in real time, for us both to be part Shalan, “Ben and Carole’s long-term potential for insuring Hawai‘i’s reefs Oceania. eliminating hours of manual commitment provides us with a strong from devastating storms. entry from handwritten field Ōma‘o foundation to safeguard the unique © Mark Kimura of TNC’s success and notes. The apps also increase species that give life to a healthy data accuracy and consistency what it represents for forest.” and allow for efficient processing and sharing of data. the future of Hawai‘i’s

Using FishPath, a data native birds.” visualization tool, Hawai‘i island communities can An ‘ōma‘o bird eats ōlapa tree berries interactively explore available in Kona Hema Preserve. © Jack Jeffrey fisheries data (such as life history and historical fishing effort and catch) to develop culturally appropriate and science-based guidelines to ensure sustainable harvest of food fish.

Caleb Wittenmeyer operates 14 a drone in Waikamoi Preserve. 15 © TNC SECTION SECTION Maui volunteers with Hui O Ka Wai Ola collect water quality data. © Bruce Forrester Working During The Power of COVID-19 Partnerships

espite travel and gathering limitations due any of our accomplishments over the past 40 Dto COVID-19, our team set out with partners Myears have only been possible because of strong and community members—wearing masks and partnerships. Despite travel and gathering limitations working six feet apart—and collected 46,000 pounds as a result of COVID-19, we’ve continued to achieve of commercial fishing nets, plastic trash and other conservation outcomes through our partnerships with rubbish (about as heavy as six adult humpback hundreds of community, state, federal and non-profit DLNR-supplied helicopter lifts debris off Mo‘omomi’s coast. © Richard A. Cooke III whales!) from Mo‘omomi Preserve and nearby groups across Hawai‘i, Palmyra and beyond. Here are a beaches in December. few examples from 2020:

Our teams worked with TNC’s dive safety officers In partnership with the Sustainable Business and managers to establish protocols for operating Forum, we are working to bring a carbon offset responsibly in the field during COVID-19. Team pilot project to market. The project, located at members drive separately to sites, handle only their our Kona Hema Preserve on Hawai‘i Island, could own gear, wear masks, maintain a six-foot distance generate up to 100,000 carbon emission offset both on land and in the water, and disinfect all credits in the first six years. equipment before and after surveying. This year, we led a study based on years of data collected by Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a multi-organization citizen science water quality monitoring partnership on Maui, to identify sources of control the spread, which will be implemented by excess nitrogen from land that will help inform TNC and partners. management actions to improve coral reef health. On Maui, we facilitated eight community-led With our partner Skyline Hawai‘i, we planted native Conservation Action Planning (CAP) processes trees at their ecotourism site on Maui, where dying with multiple stakeholders and partners, eucalyptus trees were felled last year. Then, together including 25 community members from four East we tackled invasive Himalayan ginger at a critical Maui communities. Empowering communities section in our Waikamoi Preserve. nurtures cooperation and builds local capacity for conservation management. We led a multi-agency effort to control an emerging population of highly invasive Australian With support from the State Department of Land Tree Fern on Moloka‘i, resulting in a plan to and Natural Resources, we flagged the fence line and identified locations for helicopter landing Partnerships enable zones, stepovers and gates in preparation for bigger conservation building new fences to protect the native forest accomplishments. © TNC and streams in the Alaka‘i Plateau adjacent to our Wainiha Preserve on Kaua‘i, thus enlarging the total area protected.

We co-authored, with the Maui Nui Makai Network, the Mālama I Ke Kai: Community Action Guide to help groups in Hawai‘i successfully Top: Palmyra science volunteer James Yost wears a mask while conducting field work. © Sarah Glover undertake community-based management of coastal and marine resources, using a proven step- Middle: Hawai‘i Island Marine Program Manager by-step process. Rebecca Most en route to monitoring reefs at Ka‘ūpūlehu © TNC We launched the Palmyra Atoll Rainforest and Bottom: Staff on Maui physically distance and Reef Resilience Project with U.S. Fish and Wildlife wear masks while unloading gear dropped by Service and . The project will helicopter. © TNC restore seabird-driven nutrient contributions to the forest and surrounding reef, increasing the atoll’s resilience to climate-related impacts. 16 17 SECTION

Alu Like summer youth workers build a boardwalk across Pepe‘ōpae Bog in Kamakou Preserve in Moloka‘i in 1985. ©TNC Make a Larger Impact for Nature

ave you ever thought about the smartest way to do your Hcharitable giving? These gift options may enable you to make Then-TNC Executive Director a larger gift to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to conserve the Kelvin Taketa (far left) gifts lands and waters you love, while also helping you accomplish your the late Senator Inouye a financial and other goals. print of the rare ‘Ākohekohe bird found only in Waikamoi Preserve on Maui. © TNC IRA: If you are 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA to TNC. Your donation may count toward your Required Minimum Distribution and be excluded from your taxable income.

Securities: Gifts of appreciated stock or mutual fund shares “We are honored held for more than one year can offer a tax-efficient way to give. You may be able to both receive a charitable income tax to stand on the shoulders of Ed deduction and reduce capital gains taxes. Misaki and Brian Naeole, who retired As we pause to celebrate Real Estate: If your vacation home, rental property or other th this past year, and are grateful for their real estate no longer fits your lifestyle or is a potential tax our 40 Anniversary, teachings about perseverance, what it burden, consider donating it to TNC. We will handle the sale, and you may be able to receive a charitable income tax we honor those who came takes to be a team and how to create deduction and reduce capital gains taxes.

before us. We continue tangible, lasting results.” Bequests: Through your will or trust, you can name TNC as to transfer wisdom and the beneficiary of specific assets, a portion of your estate or Russell Kallstrom your residual estate. Information Manager knowledge to the next Beneficiary Designation: It’s free and easy to name TNC as a Moloka‘i Program generation of caretakers primary, partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement TNC’s Renee Miller enjoys account, bank or brokerage account, life insurance policy or the beauty of Waikamoi of our special places. Preserve. © Ian Shive Donor Advised Fund. Gifts that Pay Income: There are gift options that provide you and/or your loved ones with income for life, may provide tax savings, and support nature in the future.

We can help you decide on a gift that’s right for you. To discuss gift options or notify us of a legacy gift in your estate plans, please contact Lara Siu at (808) 587-6235 or [email protected].

The Nature Conservancy cannot render tax or legal advice. The information provided above is general in nature and is not a representation as to the actual tax consequences of a particular contribution to TNC. Please consult your professional financial adviser before making a charitable gift.

Technology like solar-powered remote cameras and 18 relay stations on mountaintops help track invasive 19 weeds and potential fires. © TNC SECTION The Nature Conservancy Non Profit Org. 923 Nu‘uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817 U.S. Postage PAID Honolulu, HI

Permit No.141

Halawa Valley on Moloka‘i © Richard A. Cooke III

In Hawai‘i, the environment is the economy.

That’s why these leading companies invest in The Nature Conservancy. They understand that our environment and economy are intrinsically linked: Native forests collect fresh water, coral reefs protect our coastline, and native species are fundamental to a living Hawaiian culture.

We want to thank and recognize the members of the Corporate Council for the Environment for their commitment and generosity. To learn how your company can join the Corporate Council, please contact Amy Kreidler at (703) 283-8024 or [email protected].

Corporate Council for the Environment

Ho'omau Member: $15,000+ Laulima Member: $5,000+ Kōkua Member: $2,500+ Corporate Friend: $1,000+ CDF Engineering Bank of Hawaii Foundation Dentons US LLP Armstrong Foundation Mauna Kea Beach Hotel First Insurance Company Hawaii Petroleum Big Island Candies of Hawaii Charitable Hunt Companies Cat Clinic of Issaquah Mālama Member: $10,000+ Foundation Island Insurance Foundation Ecoculture Associates Alaska Airlines Haleakala Ranch Kahala Jhamandas Watumull Fund Alexander & Baldwin Pacific Islands Institute KTA Super Stores Kūki‘o Golf and Beach Club Hawaiian Electric The Howard Hughes Kualoa Ranch Manuheali'i Inc. Macy's Corporation Pacific Quest Foundation William Yeoward Crystal Shidler Family Foundation The MacNaughton Group PBR Hawaii & Associates Yeti Foundation Planning Solutions, Inc. Servco Foundation The Cades Foundation The Floor Store Ulupono Initiative